Would Tavistock welcome a tram system?

Replacing trains with trams could herald a transport revolution for Plymouth, according to a South West expert.

Using light-rail vehicles on the Tamar Valley branch line into the city is suggested in a Government-commissioned study.

The proposal is one of several money-saving measures put forward in a review of UK regional rail headed by Sir Roy McNulty.

Devon-based independent transport consultant Neill Mitchell today welcomed the idea – but insisted the proposal does not go far enough.

Mr Mitchell said the branch line tram 'swap' should be only a part of a Plymouth network that would serve an expanding city, cutting commuting costs and helping the environment.

"Plymouth lends itself well to a system of trams, not replacing buses but integrating the city with its travel-to-work area," said Mr Mitchell.

"Plymouth should have two lines. One would start at Royal William Yard, go into the city centre, through Plymouth to Derriford and out to Yelverton perhaps.

"The other would link the Tamar Valley line through Keyham, into the city centre, out to Plymstock and Sherford. With the Kilbride (Community Rail) plan to open the line from Tavistock into Bere Alston, the network of trams would serve a population of about 300,000 including Plymouth, Tavistock, Yelverton and Sherford."

Mr Mitchell said using trams on rail branch lines fitted with proposals he put to the city council planning department over a decade ago, which were dismissed as impractical.

"Since then we have seen more and more cities using trams. The 11 largest cities are using or planning them. Plymouth is the 13th largest city. Trams are on the horizon for us."

Although funding was an issue, the soaring cost of fuel and increased concerns for the environment were re-balancing the economics in favour of light-rail commuting, he said.

Tram lines into and on the streets of Plymouth might be years away, but planners should think ahead and put 'lines on the map' so that any new developments did not create a barrier for light rail, added Mr Mitchell.

Other ideas put forward in the McNulty report include removing air conditioning and powered doors to reduce the weight of conventional rail carriages, cutting wear and tear and fuel costs.

Transport secretary Philip Hammond said rail costs had to be cut. "Fares are rising faster than inflation and taxpayer subsidy has reached unsustainable levels," he said.